Biker bounces back following accident

Dan Cannell on a 24 hour bike ride from London to Paris to raise money for Scope (Image: Eloquent Photography)

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An inspirational man from Hinckley has proved determination is key after he turned his life around following a near-death experience.

In 2008 Dan Cannell, 33, spent almost three weeks in a coma after suffering horrific injuries when his motorbike collided with a van in Wolvey.

Doctors questioned whether he would pull through after his heart stopped beating a number of times and he was left with collapsed lungs, serious head injuries and multiple broken bones.

But Dan proved medics wrong and slowly but surely he began to rebuild his life. He said: “I had to start from ground zero by going from being wheelchair-bound to how I am today.”

Dan’s head injuries meant he could no longer remember how to stand, walk or run and he didn’t even know what foods he liked anymore. However, rather than letting it beat him, Dan took each day as it came and through rehabilitation he found cycling helped him regain his strength.

“By the time I left hospital I had gone from being unfit, broken and wheelchair-bound, to cycling seven miles on an exercise bike.”

While Dan does suffer with lasting damage including arthritis in his left knee and limited movement in his right arm, he has been able to turn his life around thanks to his trusty bicycle.

“I’ve had to give up a lot since my accident. Motorbike racing was my life and I used to enjoy swimming and running too but I can’t do those things now.

“Cycling gives me something to focus on.”

Dan Cannell, 33, from Hinckley (Image: Lee Collier)

Last year Dan proved just how far he has come when he took on a London to Paris 24-hour cycling challenge - something he enjoyed so much he signed up to take part again this year.

“I had such a fantastic experience last time. Everyone who gets involved is great and there is such comradery between riders.”

In 2013 Dan finished the gruelling 280 mile ride in 24 hours and 30 minutes. This year he was hoping to beat that and do it within the one day target.

Unfortunately due to heavy rain, strong headwinds, mechanical faults and a crash, Dan didn’t quite make the finish line but still managed an amazing 200 miles in difficult conditions.

“I would like to say I probably won’t do it again but I hate failing so I probably will!”

For both events Dan pledged to raise at least £1,000 for Scope, a charity that supports disabled people and their families.

He said: “Through my injuries I can relate to the work Scope does, it’s very close to my heart.”

This year he has managed to double his target, pulling in £2,000 in sponsorship. To sponsor Dan visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/danielcannell